Chief Executives
Chief executives set organizational strategy and oversee all operations for companies and public or private sector organizations. They report to a board of directors and work with senior management teams to implement policies and achieve organizational goals. Chief executives work across all industries and organization sizes, from small private companies to large corporations and government agencies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chief executives and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing financial reports, meeting with department heads about performance and strategic initiatives, and attending board meetings. Chief executives may spend time on long-term planning, addressing operational challenges, meeting with clients or stakeholders, and making decisions on major organizational changes. The role requires managing competing priorities across multiple areas of the business while ensuring alignment with board-approved objectives.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be enterprising and conventional—comfortable with leadership responsibility and strategic planning while respecting organizational structure and established procedures. You do well in this role if you enjoy making high-level decisions, coordinating complex operations, and working within formal governance frameworks.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Executive Director, Chief Information Security Officer (XD, CISO) · DHS Headquarters · Springfield, Virginia · $151661–$228000
- Chief Executive Officer · Indian Health Service · Polacca, Arizona · $147945–$192331
- Health System Administrator (Chief Executive Officer) · Indian Health Service · Polacca, Arizona · $147945–$192331
- Chief Executive Officer · Banyan Software · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $217,050 | $341,630 | $520,980 | 910 |
| Washington | $216,230 | $339,810 | $442,180 | 3,170 |
| Illinois | $186,440 | $331,920 | $428,710 | 4,620 |
| North Carolina | $182,980 | $314,290 | $442,080 | 1,930 |
| Virginia | $193,700 | $310,740 | $434,580 | 4,870 |
| New Jersey | $207,160 | $310,440 | $448,910 | 2,430 |
| Connecticut | $203,990 | $295,120 | $456,890 | 1,660 |
| Hawaii | $169,240 | $281,640 | $394,780 | 470 |
| South Dakota | $211,870 | $280,900 | $428,840 | 510 |
| New York | $178,980 | $257,980 | $419,730 | 8,430 |
| Texas | $172,490 | $257,850 | $399,880 | 8,780 |
| Michigan | $160,010 | $255,560 | $405,120 | 4,950 |
All 46 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Healthcare Business Management Executive Certification (CHBME) — Healthcare Billing & Management Association
- Certified Innovation Leader (CIL) — Association of International Product Marketing and Management
- Enterprise Architect (EA) — Enterprise Architecture Center of Excellence
- Senior Enterprise Architect (SEA) — Enterprise Architecture Center of Excellence
- Distinguished Enterprise Architect (DEA) — Enterprise Architecture Center of Excellence
- Enterprise Architect Fellow (EAF) — Enterprise Architecture Center of Excellence
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 3 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chief executives and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.